Once again the city of Milan has welcomed with open arms the conclusive Red Hook Criterium of the year and the entire atmosphere that hangs around with this race. It’s actually the sixth time the city turns itself into a circuit, Milan is a sort of expert veteran.
A perfect Italian weather has received the riders giving the event a warm and sunny day. Hundreds of people came to Milan from all over the world to join the huge community this event is creating year after year. The organization, the situation, the fans, the riders and everyone who arrived have actively contributed to make the last Saturday a good day to remember.
We have to admit it’s always a pleasure to be forced to move to this busy city for the weekend to take part of the event. A sportive show that is getting bigger and bigger every year involving riders and spectators with different backgrounds and interests. It’s now the place where the most underground side of the two-wheeled culture unquestionably meets and embraces a new emerging and frenetic attitude. A passionate way to be a cyclist that seems to give fresh incentives and emotions both to those who practice and to those who support.
Right after the sunset the woman race started the dance. An engaging and absorbing race led by more than 40 riders who definitely caught the spectators attention. Another great result for the Spanish athlete Ainara Elbusto, that with her great performance managed to reach the highest step of Saturday’s podium.
At 9 p.m was time for the guys to get ready at the starting line. All the athletes who passed the afternoon qualifying session knew there was only one man to be worried about, and that person was Ivan Ravaioli. This year he got the winner’s spot both in Brooklyn and Barcelona, and he was already the undisputed ruler of the individual standings.
After a bad fall in the first turn of the racetrack that involved an unlucky group of riders, most of the remaining lapses of the show has been led by the American Colin Strickland who managed to keep the first place. He basically won alone, without threats, the last Red Hook Criterium of the year. The American athlete has been able to keep an incredible lead over the next group for the entire duration of the race. But his amazing performance hasn’t modified the general results of the four previous competitions, leaving Mr. Ravaioli untouched at the top of the individual standings of 2015.
Only one word to describe the man race: velocity! An amazing show full of adrenaline, feelings and passion made by a dynamic public cheering at the border of the track and an excellent group of characters pushing hard on the pedals. It’s incredible to see how the level of the competition keeps improving and makes every time this bike event a great show to follow and live.
One of the thing we appreciate of the situation a RHC creates is how after every competition all the riders start partying together. It doesn’t matter the team you are part, it doesn’t matter the final result, it’s not a question of fame neither of glory, it’s the atmosphere and its people that count.
Brooklyn, London, Barcelona and Milan, four cities have been the proud locations of the 2015 edition of the Red Hook Criterium. Bicycles, athletes, good vibes, and passion, simple components that allow this event to be every year a great example of success and a simple way to join this amazing sport.
The soul and the attitude remain the same and just like all the good things it’s intended to get bigger and bigger …we definitely hope so!
We couldn’t be prouder to be part of this event and support Trimble and all the organization. He deserves a huge big up from all of us, from supporters to spectators.
Thanks man to believe in all of this!
See you all in 2016.
Picture: Mauro Tittoto
Text: Debora Tonini
